With your repair list in hand, calculate the cost in time and money for the repairs. Use the following list as a guide.
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Stain or paint the deck: You will need stain or paint and other supplies and about two days time total.
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Replace stair stringers and treads: Buy pressure-treated 2×12's and 2×6's. Estimate one to two days to finish.
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Rout new edges on old deck boards: You'll have to buy or rent a router and perhaps buy a round-over bit. This will take one to two days to complete.
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Replace deck boards: Estimate the number of boards. For the lumber-intensive jobs, you may find it worthwhile renting a power miter box. This work may require a few hours to one day.
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Replace a pressure-treated support post: It will take a few hours for an above-ground replacement, more if posts are on in-ground footings and/or the tops of the posts do double duty as deck railing posts.
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Replace a deck joist: You'll need joists and metal joist hangers. This will take a few hours to a half day, depending on the ease of access you enjoy.
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Build a new railing: Estimate costs by the 4-foot section and assume it will take three hours for each such section.
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Build light towers: This will depend on the light fixture chosen and take half a day to build; the wiring time will vary.
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Add low-voltage lights to the deck's steps: Allow a half day.
Now schedule a visit with your local building inspector. First determine together whether there's major structural damage or merely a need for general repair. If posts, beams or stairs need replacement, check with the local building-code office. You might choose not to consult them, however, if you find that less than half the decking or railings requires replacement.
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Before you undertake a deck repair job, estimate its cost.
